Cybersecurity tips from CWX.
Stay safe from malicious attempts to snatch your precious data, disrupt your online life, and cause all sorts of digital mayhem. As cyber threats become increasingly frequent and sophisticated, it's more critical than ever to stay informed and proactive.
CloudWerx is here to empower you with practical steps to build up your digital defenses. We’re sharing essential security practices, from robust data protection to building a culture of security within your organization. Here’s our best tips to stay safe online and in your business.
Get your Data Security Game on Lock Down
You need multiple layers of security to keep it safe. We recommend encrypting your data no matter what the status is (At Rest, In Transit, and In Use).
At rest:
Encrypt your sensitive files with strong passwords. Think of this as locking your treasure chest.
Google Cloud Storage Options offer encryption at rest by default leveraging Google Managed encryption keys; however you can leverage tools like Customer Supplied Encryption Keys or Cloud Key Management Service to leverage your own encryption keys to encrypt your data at rest
In transit:
Use a VPN when on public Wi-Fi to encrypt your internet traffic. This is like having a secret tunnel for your data to travel through, safe from eavesdroppers.
Leverage Transport Layer Security (TLS) for your publicly exposed endpoints
In use:
To keep your sensitive data protected while its in use, Google Cloud offers several solutions such as the following:
Data Loss Prevention API which allows you to perform inspections and de-identification processes in batch or real time to protect your data
Allows you to keep your sensitive data private and protected while processing it.
Allows you to share sensitive and confidential data with a workload while maintaining confidentiality, privacy and security of the data.
IAM controls:
Implement robust Identity and Access Management (IAM) controls based on the principle of least privilege. This means giving users only the access they need to do their jobs and nothing more.
Regularly review user permissions and revoke any unnecessary access. Don't leave any doors to your data unlocked!
Leveraging Google Cloud solutions like Privileged Access Manager provide an extension on Google’s existing IAM framework which provides functionality to control just-in-time temporary privilege elevation for select principals.
Strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA):
Enforce a strong password policy that requires complex passwords and regular changes. Add an extra layer of protection with MFA, especially for privileged accounts.
Practice Good Cyber Security Habits
We’ve heard about the power of habits. Cybersecurity can be seamless and strong when easy habits are built into routines. Here’s a couple of habits to live by when it comes to cybersecurity:
Software updates:
Keep your software and systems up to date to patch vulnerabilities and stay ahead of cyber threats.
Think twice before you click:
Don't fall for suspicious emails, links, or attachments. f you get an unexpected email or message, don't click on anything. Verify the sender before taking any action.
Protect your personal information:
Never give out sensitive information to strangers, no matter how convincing they may seem.
Cybercriminals are masters of manipulation. Stay vigilant and don't let them fool you.
Maintain Your Software Supply Chain Against Attacks
Keeping your code “clean” is a big job. Code that contains digital viruses can sneak into your systems, hijack your software, and steal your valuable data. This can happen both on purpose, by trusting in the wrong vendor, or copying code from a sketchy source, or it may be an innocent accident. In either case, you need to protect yourself and your software. Vet any external code through these checkpoints:
Strengthening your defenses:
Treat external code with suspicion. Verify its identity and implement rigorous security checks.
Monitoring your supply chain:
Keep a watchful eye for suspicious activity and respond quickly to potential threats.
Adopting a multi-layered approach:
There's no silver bullet. Combine best practices, automated tools, and expert guidance to protect your software.
CWX Pro Tip:
If you're using Google Cloud, leverage Google's Assured OS Software to help mitigate supply chain attacks. This platform provides verifiable provenance and integrity for your operating systems, ensuring that your software is trustworthy and hasn't been tampered with.
Communicate Your Cybersecurity Policies – Awareness and Training
Communication with your team and your organization is crucial to cybersecurity. Knowing this information and enforcing it are two different steps in this process. Sharing cybersecurity best practices is the first step. Developing your own cybersecurity best practices and implementation guidelines is the next step. Here’s how to start:
Encouraging Education and Awareness
Leverage Online Resources
Visit the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) website (www.cisa.gov) for a wealth of free resources, including informative articles, videos, and interactive tools.
Promote Cybersecurity Training
Urge employees to participate in online cybersecurity awareness training courses. These interactive programs teach essential skills for identifying and responding to cyber threats effectively.
Personalizing Cybersecurity
Draw real-life parallels:
There's no silver bullet. Combine best practices, automated tools, and expert guidance to protect your software.
Highlight personal consequences:
Emphasize the potential consequences of falling victim to cyberattacks, such as financial loss, identity theft, and reputational damage.
Fostering a Culture of Security
Lead by example:
Set a positive example by consistently practicing good cybersecurity habits, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping software up to date.
Regular communication:
Regularly communicate cybersecurity reminders and updates to employees and colleagues. Share the latest news about evolving threats and emerging solutions.
Empower employees:
Encourage employees to take ownership of their cybersecurity responsibilities. Provide them with the tools and resources they need to stay protected.
By proactively educating ourselves and others, we are creating a safer digital environment for everyone.
Deepfakes: A Growing Threat
So what about deepfakes? If they are good ones, deepfakes are highly realistic, artificially generated videos or images that can be used to spread misinformation, manipulate public opinion, or commit fraud. They are created using sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms that can manipulate existing media to make it appear as if real people are saying or doing things they never did.
How deepfakes are created:
Data collection:
A large dataset of images or videos of a target person is collected.
AI training:
The data is fed into a deep learning algorithm, which learns to identify patterns and features in the target person's appearance and mannerisms.
Manipulation:
The algorithm can then be used to create new, synthetic media that appears to be real.
The dangers of deepfakes:
Misinformation:
Deepfakes can be used to spread false information, such as fabricated news stories or political attacks.
Reputation damage:
Deepfakes can be used to damage someone's reputation by making it appear as if they have done or said something harmful.
Fraud:
Deepfakes can be used to commit fraud, such as by creating fake videos of people authorizing payments or signing contracts.
How to protect yourself from deepfakes:
Be skeptical:
Approach online media with a critical eye, especially if it seems too shocking or sensational.
Look for inconsistencies:
Examine videos for signs of manipulation, such as unnatural facial expressions, inconsistent lighting, or glitches.
Stay informed:
Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in deepfake technology.
By understanding the risks of deepfakes and taking steps to protect yourself, you can help to combat this growing threat.
TLDR - The Key Takeaways
Cybersecurity is an ongoing effort. Stay informed about the latest threats and best practices. Here are some key actions to take:
Be skeptical:
Approach online media with a critical eye, especially if it seems too shocking or sensational.
Look for inconsistencies:
Examine videos for signs of manipulation, such as unnatural facial expressions, inconsistent lighting, or glitches.
Stay informed:
Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in deepfake technology.
By following these steps and leveraging CloudWerx's expertise, you can significantly enhance your organization's cybersecurity posture.
Remember, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility; let's work together to stay informed, vigilant, and secure.
Want to learn more about cybersecurity in Google Cloud? CloudWerx can help!
Our Secure Landing Zone helps you build a secure foundation for your cloud
environment, while our Security Assurance Review identifies and mitigates potential vulnerabilities.
Contact us to learn more.
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